The Original Influencer – Nancy Drew

Influencers are all the rage into today’s social media world­­—something not too difficult with all the avenues to reach millions of people. A more impressive influencer? A young lady who influenced millions of readers and writers in the mystery realm to this very day—Nancy Drew. Many mystery/thriller writers today, especially females, cite Nancy Drew as the first influence in their love of mystery. Carolyn Keene was our hero for bringing her to life.

Where were you when you found out there was no Carolyn Keene? Did a little piece of your heart fall off? From Mildred Augustine Wirt Benson and Harriet Stratemeyer Adams to the line of ghost writers who continued to evolve Nancy to fit the era, we had no idea. It was a mystery happening we knew nothing about. First conceived by children’s book mogul and Harriet’s father, Edward Stratemeyer in 1929, Nancy Drew was a continuation of his multiple successful series that included The Bobbsey Twins and Hardy Boys series. Responsible for the outlines as authors, ghostwriters filled in the stories that thrilled the young girls waiting eagerly at their local library or bookseller for the latest release.

Little did we know about the heroic efforts the Edward Stratemeyer heirs put into creating personas for the Carolyn Keene pseudo name which included personal stationary and a biographical background. Even some of the well-known authors of the day had no idea their invitations to various functions were not going to a real person.

Nancy taught us to keep our heads above water in every situation. She knew how to dress, when to plunge forward and when to pull back, when to let her anger give to the bad guys and when to remain quiet. She had what we wished we had—a great car, the ability to sew, draw, have great friends, make her allowance last the exact amount of time until the next one came, and oh yes, solve mysteries. (How exciting!)

And Nancy evolved. From World War II to the Age of Aquarius and beyond, she managed to stay current with updates. It was in the 1960s and 70s when the original 34 volumes were edited to be shorter with tighter plots. Another 22 books were added to the series. As a 1960’s Nancy Drew reader, I can’t relate to the current renditions made into TV series. I suppose, every era feels the same about “The Nancy” that encased their childhood. We want her to stay just as she was when she influenced us.

Because of Nancy, can we ever see an antique clock and cabinet and not be drawn to look for secret compartments? Aren’t we always on the hunt for secret passageways in old buildings? If you hear rumors of a “ghost” somewhere, don’t you want to go look for the conman behind the story?

Nancy also taught us to leave a note if we are off on an adventure, so those who care about us won’t worry. With Nancy, we knew we wanted faithful friends in life we could count on like Bess and George. Never give up is a famous saying, but Nancy lived it in every adventure. No matter which trap door she fell through, she didn’t give up when it came to getting herself out of the situation. Lipstick in your purse? Always. You never know when you might need it to write a message on a mirror. And, oh, it’s always a good idea to look good with that lipstick, too. There are people to meet and mysteries to solve.

Now, as authors, we know there are mysteries to write to engage the readers out there the way “Caroline Keene” engaged us. So, good luck to all the current influencers. You’ll have a tough time keeping up with the one and only Nancy Drew!

Michele Olson writes stories set on Mackinac Island in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula filled with suspense, romance, friendship, faith, and quirky characters. A top seller in Mackinac Island Fiction to the million people who make a trip to the island every year to experience life with no cars, amazing scenery, and the glorious Grand Hotel, she enjoys opening up this incredible island to even more visitors. Incorporating her work as an artist and a voice professional into her writing whenever she can, she enjoys creative endeavors of all genres and Fueling Faith with Fiction™. Michele lives in the shadow of Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI, with her husband and thoroughly enjoys being a wife, mom, and “Gee Gee” to two adorable grandsons.

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